September 13, 2026 to September 19, 2026

This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news for farmers, seed-growers, ranchers and their upstream suppliers and downstream buyers. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Want to track the upstream and downstream forces affecting Agri-Food? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Freight & Ports and Oil & Gas. Also consider subscribing to our Agri-Food - Ottawa edition covering critical GR news north of the border.

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

USDA Approves Release of Mite for Biological Control of Russian Thistle

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) at the USDA issued a final environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact regarding the field release of Aceria salsolae, a blister mite, for biological control of Russian thistle (Salsola tragus) across the contiguous United States. Russian thistle, spanning nearly 41.3 million hectares in the western U.S., is recognized as a noxious weed in multiple states, causing economic and environmental disruptions. Following host-specificity testing indicating the mite is unlikely to affect non-target species, APHIS will now issue permits for field release. Federal agencies are to coordinate as needed for land access, and all project documentation is available to the public via Regulations.gov and USDA offices.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

USDA Publishes Corrections to Federal Milk Marketing Orders’ Uniform Pricing Provisions

The Agricultural Marketing Service of USDA released a final rule amending pricing formulas in eleven Federal Milk Marketing Orders. Notably, Morgan County, Ohio’s Class I differential was adjusted from $3.90 to the correct $3.80, aligning it with other counties in the state. Additionally, the outdated reference to Shannon County, South Dakota, was removed—reflecting its official renaming to Oglala Lakota County since 1999. These amendments took effect September 18, 2026. Stakeholders are advised to contact AMS Dairy Programs for further inquiries.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Announces Case Closures for Multiple Pesticide Registrations

The Environmental Protection Agency issued a notice of closure for registration review cases spanning pesticides such as alpha-chlorohydrin, citral, dicloran (DCNA), fenitrothion, methiocarb, methyl-parathion, and others. The closures arise from all U.S. product registrations for these chemicals being cancelled. EPA’s review process and rationale are documented within regulatory dockets, with reference contacts for each case listed in the agency's notice. These closures remove reporting and regulatory obligations for the affected actives, streamlining compliance for manufacturers.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

USDA to Extend National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard Information Collection

The Agricultural Marketing Service is seeking comments on extending its approved information collection related to the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard (7 CFR 66). The notice, posted September 14, 2026, estimates an annual burden of 353,952 hours for 155,098 respondents, primarily importers, food manufacturers, and retailers, with an average of 2.3 hours per response. This extension aims to support federal preemption of state-level genetic engineering labeling requirements while maintaining federal disclosure and organic certification recognition protocols.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

White House Expands Hunting and Fishing Access on Federal Lands

On September 17, 2026, President Trump issued an executive order to increase accessibility for hunters, anglers, and outdoor recreationists on federal lands. The order directs agencies to revise land access policies, prioritize infrastructure improvements, and clarify use of federal funding for hunter education. Specific actions include the opening of Castle Mountains and Craters of the Moon National Monuments to hunting non-endangered species, advancing wild game donations, and coordinating state partnerships for wildlife management. The order also outlines programs for youth and veterans’ participation in hunting and outdoor activities, with implementation subject to existing legal and regulatory frameworks.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Farm-state Republicans are having a cow over Trump's beef imports as Election Day approaches: Midwest lawmakers confront White House plans for expanded beef imports amid electoral pressure.
• Farmers want relief from Congress. Here’s the holdup.: Congressional gridlock delays potential relief packages for American farmers facing ongoing market challenges.
• Use of GLP-1s Like Ozempic Is Forcing Food Companies to Adapt: Food manufacturers adjust strategies in response to rising demand for GLP-1 medications influencing consumer eating habits.
• Scientists hope deeper-rooted soybeans can withstand climate extremes and store more carbon: Agricultural researchers explore new soybean varieties with deeper roots for resilience and carbon sequestration.
• How diesel prices and pending truck rules could hike your grocery bill: Rising diesel costs and regulatory changes for trucking sector seen impacting food and grocery supply pricing.
• COMMENTARY: What’s really behind the global grain rally?: Analysis examines market drivers pushing grain prices upward worldwide.
• Grupa Azoty could rebuild fertilizer capacity in Poland amid supply shocks, CEO says: Polish fertilizer producer Grupa Azoty considers restoring production capacity due to international input disruptions.

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